Wat Surachayaram is a third-class royal monastery situated on the western bank of the Mae Klong River in Lumdin Subdistrict, Mueang Ratchaburi District, Ratchaburi Province. This temple holds great religious significance and has a long history dating back to the Ayutthaya period, or possibly earlier. Originally, it was known as "Wat Lumdin" due to its location at the mouth of Lumdin Canal, an area rich in clay suitable for pottery making. The temple is historically connected to Wat Khok Mo, a renowned pottery production site in the past.

 

During the reign of King Rama V, Than Phuying Im Bunnag, the wife of Chao Phraya Surawongwaiwat (Worn Bunnag), discovered that Wat Lumdin had been abandoned, with only remnants of brick foundations remaining. Since the original ordination hall (ubosot) could not be restored, she initiated the construction of a new one, approximately 30 wa (about 60 meters) away from the original site. King Chulalongkorn graciously granted the temple Visungkhama Sima (a boundary for sacred monastic areas) on July 23, 1884, and bestowed a new name, "Wat Surachayaram." It was subsequently elevated to the status of a royal monastery on December 4, 1884.

 

Main Ubosot (Ordination Hall) The current ubosot of Wat Surachayaram was constructed in 1966. It is a brick and mortar building with a wooden roof covered in tiles, featuring extended eaves on all four sides. Notably, the structure lacks traditional Thai ornamental elements such as Chofa, Bai Raka, and Hang Hong (decorative roof finials). Inside, the principal Buddha image is in the Dhyana Mudra (meditative posture) in the Vajrasana style, flanked by two standing Buddha disciples in Anjali Mudra (gesture of reverence). The ubosot also houses bronze Buddha images in Stopping the Ocean and Stopping Phra Kaen Chan postures, which reflect the artistic style favored during the reign of King Rama III. The walls, originally plain, have since been adorned with mural paintings.

 

Chedis and Prangs Wat Surachayaram features several chedis (stupas) and prangs (Khmer-style towers). Outside the temple's inner wall, there are two round-shaped brick-and-mortar chedis constructed by Than Phuying Im Bunnag. To the south of the ubosot, beyond the sacred boundary wall, another bell-shaped chedi was built by Chao Khun Phra Prayurawong (Chao Khun Chom Manda Phae, consort of King Rama V) to enshrine the relics of Prince Suphanphakawadi and Chao Khun Prayurawong. Behind the ubosot, there is a Rattanakosin-style prang paired with a twelve-cornered chedi (chedi yom mum mai sip song). The prang is a square-based, brick-and-mortar structure featuring Ruen Kaew (niche-shaped arches) on all four sides.

 

Preaching Hall (Sala Kan Parian) Built in 1928, the preaching hall is a traditional elevated Thai-style wooden building. Inside, the walls feature mural paintings depicting the life of the Buddha, executed by skilled artists from the Rattanakosin period.

 

Wat Surachayaram serves as an important center for Buddhist ceremonies and religious studies. It is also a significant historical site, attracting devotees and visitors who wish to experience the spiritual and cultural heritage of this ancient riverside temple.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4 (Phetkasem Road) toward Ratchaburi. Upon reaching the city center, follow Road No. 3089 (Khathathorn Road) towards Lumdin Subdistrict. Drive approximately 5 kilometers, and Wat Surachayaram will be on your left.